Sometimes a map helps you get
to where you want to be by showing you the best route. Sometimes, however, a
map can show you where you want to be by highlighting what’s missing to enable
you to get there.

The new bike map being
produced by the Metropolitan Planning Organization achieves both of those
goals. It’s a guide for cyclists who want to transport themselves around the
county by bike, to show them the routes available. But it’s also a guide for
bike advocates and planners to identify gaps in the current bicycle
infrastructure, the places where a little bit of new asphalt could make a big
difference in bikeability.

Right now, maps are available
online only, but printed versions are expected by the end of February. It
replaces the last bike map published in October 2006, and comparing the two
shows the significant improvements in bike infrastructure the county has seen
in the ensuing six-plus years. Looking at the new map also shows the
infrastructure work remaining to be done, where a lack of colored lines or a
gap between two existing systems is clear.

Thanks for the MPO map goes
to the organization’s Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinating Committee, which
spearheaded the update and helped review and verify the routes.

“It was a recommendation that
came out of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan,” said MPO executive director
Don Scott. “For the rider, it does encourage use, enticing some people to take
their bike instead of driving, giving recreational opportunities and getting
out to different destinations.

The MPO hopes to update this
map more regularly, perhaps even annually.

“One important part is to
keep working on filling in the gaps,” Scott said. “I encourage people who use
the map to forward suggestions that we can incorporate into future versions.”

Speaking of maps, if you’re
interested in biking to spring training games, BikeWalkLee can help show you
the way. On its website you’ll find maps showing routes to
both JetBlue Park (for Red Sox games) and the Lee County Sports Complex (where
the Twins play). Both sites are bike-accessible from neighborhoods throughout
the county – even for those who prefer to ride in a more protected setting.

Biking to baseball not only
gets you a little exercise (to work up a thirst for that ballpark beer?), but
also helps you avoid the pre- and post-game traffic jams. Bike parking at both
facilities is a little sparse… but if enough people start showing up on two
wheels, perhaps that can be remedied.

About BikeWalkLee Blog

This is the official Blog for BikeWalkLee.org. BikeWalkLee is a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County -- streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities.